The last time I did a formal book review, it was probably for my grade-school English class. And it was definitely not done out of the kindness of my heart, but rather my desire to pass the class. This, however, is a very different story. I’ve recently read a few books that were just so good—for a variety of reasons—that I just felt I had no choice but to share!

The first on my “You MUST read this book” list is How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer by Debbie Millman. No, you don’t have to be a graphic designer to enjoy, and benefit, from this collection of interviews with some of today’s top graphic designers.

Malcolm Gladwell (renowned author of The Tipping Point and Blink) says, “The title of How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer is all wrong. It’s not really about graphic design, and it’s not really a how-to book. It’s a delightful opportunity to eavesdrop on some of the most curious and creative minds of our time.” And I couldn’t agree more.

Of course, if you ARE a graphic designer (or other creative professional), you’ll find yourself having plenty of “OMG! Me, too!” moments as you get a glimpse into the inner workings of designers like Milton Glaser, Chip Kidd, Seymour Chwast and others.

To be honest, I think this book should be on the reading list for all graphic design programs. It’s well written, funny (yes, I laughed out loud on quite a few occasions), and inspiring. And Debbie Millman just has a knack for interviewing.

I give How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer an Absolute Must Read - For Anyone rating!

Next on my list is a fiction novel by acclaimed graphic designer and author Chip Kidd.

As a novel itself, The Cheese Monkeys is an intelligent, funny and moving story. It’s easy to get lost in the young-adult drama as the protagonist (ironically named Happy) tries to find himself and his calling.

However, what makes this piece of fiction an absolute work of genius, in my opinion, is Kidd’s ability to intertwine relevant graphic design theory into the plot. As a graphic designer, I was not only entertained by the story, but educated and inspired by the teachings of the illustrious (infamous?) Winter Sorbeck.

For me, to have spent time living in Happy’s world was a privilege I won’t soon forget…nor will I forget the lessons that I learned along with Happy. So, if you’re a reader and want a good book, I highly recommend Kidd’s The Cheese Monkeys. But, if you’re a graphic designer, then this is an Absolute Must Read—because if nothing else, you’ll get it.